Pool license

We explain requirements for public pools in Minneapolis.

Overview

A public pool includes any pool operated by a person who is an owner, lessee, operator or concessionaire. A private residential pool is not a public swimming pool.

Public pools include:

  • Swimming pools
  • Spa pools (hot tubs)
  • Therapy pools
  • Wading pools
  • Water parks
  • Plunge pools with flume slides
  • Pools with interactive water features
  • Splash pads
  • Cold plunge

In this section

 

Kids splashing in pool

What to know

Before you begin

Use this information only as a general guide.

Look at our information about: 

Location

Public pools can be in:

  • Apartment buildings
  • Parks
  • Hotels and motels
  • Schools
  • Condominiums
  • Clubs
  • Any licensed lodging business

Application

Apply

You need a license to operate a public pool in Minneapolis.

Apply for a swimming pool license

Fees

See swimming pool license fees
See lines 34-36.

Requirements

Pool injury or drowning

You are required to file a report with the Minnesota Department of Health when someone in your public pool: 

  • Is seriously injured
  • Drowns

Your report must be filed by the end of the next working day.

Closure

A public pool must be closed immediately when:

  • Lifesaving equipment is not provided.
  • The water clarity standards are not met (bottom drain must be easily visible from the pool surface).
  • The disinfection residuals are not met. 
  • The pool has been constructed or physically altered without approval of plans.
  • There is any condition that endangers the health and safety of the public.

Trained operator

Public pools in Minnesota must have a Certified Trained Operator. 

They are responsible for pool operation, including:

  • Testing and maintaining proper water chemistry levels
  • Maintaining daily testing and other equipment records
  • Responding to unsafe and unsanitary conditions when the pool is open
  • Making sure staff assisting with pool operations are fully trained
  • Responding to emergencies

The certified pool operator must pass a recertification course every five years.
The operator's certificate must be posted.

Find pool operator training information from the Minnesota Department of Health

Plan review

Public pool plan review

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes all public pool plan review approvals and construction inspections in the state. 

Construction cannot begin until plans are approved. A final pool construction inspection needs to be scheduled with MDH prior to opening a public pool. 

Resources

We share resources for operating and maintaining your pool:

  • Pool operations manual
  • Pool checklist
  • Pool chemistry requirements
  • Water quality log
  • Fecal incident response recommendations

See pool resources

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday

Health Department

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Public Service Center
250 Fourth St. S., Room 510
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Minneapolis 311

Hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday

See list of City holidays